Probe assembly

Abstract

A probe assembly for inserting a probe into a flexible or semi-rigid object is provided. The probe assembly includes an aseptic connector for coupling to the object, a probe sheath that extends longitudinally from the aseptic connector, and an actuator for deploying the probe within the object. The probe sheath has a plurality of concentric sheath elements and an inner longitudinal volume that is configured to permit longitudinal movement of the probe within the probe sheath. The actuator moves the probe longitudinally within the probe sheath by telescoping a first sheath element of the plurality within another sheath element of the plurality such that the probe is moved to a position sufficient to measure at least one parameter within the object.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A probe assembly configured for inserting a probe into a flexible or semi-rigid vessel or tubing, the assembly comprising:
 a distal aseptic connector configured for coupling to the vessel or tubing; 
 a probe sheath extending longitudinally from the aseptic connector and having at least a portion that is at least rigid or semi-rigid and another portion that is flexible, the probe sheath further comprising at least one inner longitudinal sheath lumen configured to sealably receive an elongate probe body and to permit longitudinal movement of the probe body within the sheath lumen; 
 the elongate probe body dimensionally sized to fit within the probe sheath and configured to measure at least a parameter of a substance in the vessel or tubing; and, 
 wherein a portion of the flexible portion is disposed within the rigid or semi-rigid portion when the elongate probe is disposed within the flexible or semi-rigid vessel or tubing. 
 
     
     
       2. The probe assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least semi-rigid portion is rigid. 
     
     
       3. The probe assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the distal aseptic connector is further adapted to couple to a mating aseptic connector associated with the flexible or semi-rigid vessel or tubing. 
     
     
       4. The probe assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the probe assembly is configured to be sterilized. 
     
     
       5. The probe assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible or semi-rigid vessel or tubing is a bioprocessing bag. 
     
     
       6. The probe assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one parameter includes conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. 
     
     
       7. The probe assembly of  claim 1  wherein the elongate probe includes a probe handle that facilitates longitudinal movement of the elongate probe within the probe sheath. 
     
     
       8. The probe assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 at least one catch on an end of the at least one inner longitudinal lumen configured to fix a position of the elongate probe in a longitudinal direction. 
 
     
     
       9. The probe assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least rigid or semi-rigid portion of the probe sheath is fixed to the flexible portion via a clamp.